Nadan Vidosevic was speaking at the opening of a Croatian-Maltese Business Forum at the HGK.
Croatian President Stjepan Mesic too highlighted Malta's success in protecting national interests during EU negotiations. He said Croatia and Malta had no outstanding political issues and enjoyed excellent multilateral cooperation, but should improve bilateral cooperation. He added the two countries should attempt joint ventures on third markets.
Maltese President Edward Fenech-Adami underlined the importance of the fact that both countries lay on key traffic and trade routes, Croatia on the route to Central Europe and Malta to Africa.
Fenech-Adami said Maltese business people were increasingly interested in cooperating with Croatia, notably in maritime traffic, shipbuilding, and tourism.
Shipbuilding is the backbone of Croatia-Malta trade, accounting for more than 90 per cent (USD103.55 million) of Croatian exports to Malta in 2005, according to HGK figures.
Ship export is also the reason for the significant Croatian surplus in trade with Malta. Croatian exports to Malta amounted to USD114.7 million last year, while imports were below USD2 million.
About 20 companies took part in individual business talks after the plenary part of the forum.